The teenager has enjoyed a childhood free from the pressures of royalty

Peter Phillips’s daughter turned heads at Cheltenham racecourse on New Year’s Day, with spectators struck by her uncanny likeness to aunt Zara Tindall.

Isla Phillips, 12, who wrapped up in a checkered scarf with her blonde hair styled in plaits, watched the racing action alongside sister Savannah, 15, and other family members, including the Tindalls.

 

Royal watchers were quick to note the resemblance between the royal niece and aunt, with one commenting that Isla “reminds me of a young Princess Anne” whilst also resembling Zara.

Another observer remarked: “Beautiful children, Isla looks like Auntie Zara!”

Isla Phillips and Zara Tindall

Royal fans left stunned as Isla Phillips mirrors aunt Zara Tindall at Cheltenham | GETTY

The similarities extend from their fair hair to striking blue eyes.

Isla was born at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital on March 29, 2012, with Buckingham Palace announcing that the entire Royal Family were “delighted” by the new arrival.

Born during the late Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year, she was given Elizabeth as her middle name in tribute to her great-grandmother.

Currently 20th in line to the throne, the teenager has enjoyed a childhood free from the pressures of royal life.

Isla Phillips and Mia Tindall

Isla Phillips and her cousin, Mia Tindall, at Cheltenham | GETTY

Like Zara, Isla holds no HRH title, a consequence of Princess Anne’s decision to decline the late Queen’s offer to bestow such titles upon her own children.

The Phillips sisters reside on Princess Anne’s 700-acre Gatcombe Park Estate, placing them in close proximity to their Tindall cousins.

Isla and Savannah have formed a particularly strong bond with Zara’s eldest daughter, Mia, now 11.

At the New Year’s Day races, Isla and Mia were photographed sharing a laugh in the stands as they took in the equestrian spectacle.

The young royals are beloved during royal events, most memorably when Savannah playfully shushed Prince George on the Buckingham Palace balcony during the 2018 Trooping the Colour fly-past.

Beyond her resemblance to Zara, observers have previously drawn comparisons between Isla and her great-grandfather, Prince Philip, particularly during King Charles’s Coronation concert in 2023.

One royal fan noted the likeness on social media, writing: “I can definitely see a resemblance.”

Isla Phillips

Isla Phillips pictured with her father, Peter Phillips, and his fiancée, Harriet Sperling| GETTY

Others agreed, with one commenting: “Wow, those genetics from her great-grandfather.”

Though largely raised away from public scrutiny, Isla has attended significant royal occasions, including the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and funeral in 2022.

Her parents, Peter and Autumn, who married at Windsor Castle in 2008, separated amicably in 2020, citing the decision as best for their daughters and their ongoing friendship.